THEATER BEAT : Extraordinary Ordinary People

“It’s slippery sliding down the Blue Corridor,” says a Mimi Seton lyric in her new musical-theater piece at Playwrights’ Arena.

Conceived and directed by Mark Bringelson, with words and music by Seton, “Blue Corridor” leads to doorways behind which live very ordinary people with extraordinary outlooks on life. That’s the stock in trade of Bringelson and Seton, who were among the collaborators on the memorable “Brain Hotel” and “Wazo Wazo” in the ‘80s.

Bringelson’s concept, and particularly Seton’s score, may be an acquired taste. They invite the listener to coexist in the work’s own space and time--a sort of painting with sounds, sculpting with moods.

Seton is, to the writing of songs, similar to what Martha Clarke is to dance. When she’s in the mood to be totally accessible (as in the very funny “Lonely Lady”), her work is sparklingly fresh and inventive. When she gives her surreal imagination free rein, dispensing with words, she creates an individual world of sound that makes its own statements through Seton’s sense of color and sonic form.

Under Bringelson’s finely tuned direction, the ensemble work by the performers is impeccable. Susan Krebs, Hope Levy, Nicole Niblack, Bob Simon, Jeffrey Steefel, Andy Steinlen and Kendra Tucker each has a chance to shine in solo work, but they also submerge themselves artfully into the seamless montage of sounds. Simon’s powerful voice and presence illuminate “Masque of Comfort,” as Niblack’s give body to “Lullabye.” Steinlen’s impish energy and Krebs’ sense of humor are notable.

Zonnie J. Bauer’s choreography, musical supervision by Frank Basile and Jerry Sternbach, and Robert Fromer’s lighting all comprehend Seton’s world and provide a strong framework.

“Blue Corridor,” Playwrights’ Arena, 5262 W. Pico Blvd. Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m. Ends April 3. $15; (213) 466-1767. Running time: 1 hour, 15 minutes.